New Volvo V40

Like the look of the Volvo C30 but found it too impractical? The brand new Volvo V40 is the answer, a new five-door premium hatchback that makes its world debut here at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. For Volvo, it's an enormously significant car.

What is it?

Based on a variation of the same platform that underpins the C30, the new Volvo V40 is that car's slightly bigger, slightly more sensible brother. It offers more room inside and greater levels of practicality thanks to the addition of rear passenger doors - and debuts some exceptional new safety technology as well.

What's hot?

Safety is sexy, right? Well the new Volvo V40 features the world's first pedestrian airbag. This is in addition to Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, and an upgraded version of Volvo's City Safety collision mitigation system that now works up to 31mph (19mph on previous models).

What's not?

We're struggling to think of anything on first impressions, as the new car looks good, exudes a properly premium air and offers a wide range of engines' too. It's exactly what Volvo needs and, we were told during the car's reveal, it'll become Volvo's single best selling car within two years.

How much and when?

The new V40 goes into production in Belgium in May, so you can expect to start seeing it in dealerships not too long after then. Pricing is still TBC, but no doubt there will be a slight premium over the smaller C30 - a car which currently starts at £14,995. Volvo says it is an ideal rival for the Honda Civic: prices there start at £16,495.

Anything else I need to know?

The funky interior design touches include a fully graphic instrument cluster that can be personalised to suit, while engine choice ranges from 94g/km CO2 turbodiesel - Volvo's lowest ever - to a 254hp T5 turbo petrol hot hatch. The T5 accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds. Start-stop is standard throughout.

• On Bing: see pictures of the 2012 Volvo V40
• Find a used Volvo C30 on Auto Trader